Coatbridge shooting: Man gunned down in gangland-style hit two years after being cleared of murder

RYAN CHALMERS, who was shot in both legs behind a pub on Tuesday, had walked free from court two years ago after admitting stabbing Christopher Bergin to death. Mr Bergin's father says had he had the gun then he "would have done things properly".

“If it had been me, I would not have shot him on the legs. I would have done things properly.”

Steve Welsh

Billy Bergin father of murder victim Christopher Bergin

The grief-stricken dad added: “I heard about it today and it has really cheered me up a bit.

“I have hardly had a cheerful thought since he killed Christopher.

“I’ve no idea who did this, but it is safe to say you could take your pick because of all the things he has done in his past.

“This is a guy who thought it was OK to smile at me in court. This will have wiped the smile off his face.”

Transport manager Billy added that his son went to Chalmers’s home on the night he died, having been told his mother wanted to apologise for her son’s behaviour.

The previous night, Chalmers had gone to Christopher’s home brandishing a Samurai sword.

He said: “When Christopher got there, she had hardly opened the door to him when this thug flew at him with a knife. Not proven? That’s a travesty.”

Billy added: “He’s lying in the hospital right now. But my son’s lying in his grave.”

The shooting, at 6.45pm on Tuesday, happened in a wooded gully between Agnew Avenue and Deedes Street close to Coatbridge town centre.

Patrons of the nearby Horseshoe pub said they heard nothing until the police arrived.

One said: “No one heard a thing in here. It was business as usual until we saw the police. That is a huge area behind the pub and it could have happened at the far side at Agnew Avenue. If you were intent on shooting someone round about here that would be the place to do it.

“It is near two busy roads but it is very secluded.”

Police are understood to have ruled out Chalmers having been taken to the spot in the car.

They believe his attackers knew where to look for him.

Chalmers was rushed to nearby Monklands Hospital in Airdrie following the shooting.

His condition yesterday was given as “stable”.

At the scene yesterday police forensic teams were carrying out searches along with dog teams at the gully. Both entrances to the area were sealed off.

Much of their attention was focused on the Agnew Avenue side of the scene.

Christopher was killed two days before Christmas 2011 at the flat in Plains, Airdrie, where Chalmers then stayed with his mother.

Chalmers claimed that Christopher had invaded the flat with two other men.

And the jury came to the not proven verdict by a majority after an eight-day trial. Chalmers had spent almost eight months in custody awaiting trial.

Last year, it was reported he could be tried again as the case was one of a number under review by the Crown Office as part of changes to double jeopardy laws.

Police said last night that patrols in the area of the shooting were being stepped up.

But Detective Inspector John Lamb added: “I want to reassure local residents this type of incident is rare and our inquiries so far lead us to believe this was a targeted attack.

“There will still be police activity in the area today with specialist search officers carrying out a detailed search.

“Officers are also carrying out extensive inquiries and studying CCTV footage.

“If anyone has any information or concerns, please speak to officers on the ground.

“We will be using significant resources. Any small piece of detail could prove significant and help us trace those responsible.”